The 2014 runners-up were made to toil by their dogged opponents but secured victory with Magali Harvey’s late penalty and try.

A second defeat from two pool matches means Wales now aim for the play-offs to decide fifth to eighth places.

They will need a large margin of victory against Hong Kong on Thursday to have a chance of doing so, while Canada will face New Zealand in the Pool A decider for a place in the last four.

Wales fall short

After their opening defeat against four-time champions New Zealand, Wales had to beat Canada to preserve their slim hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.

They were much improved from that loss to the Black Ferns, particularly in defence where their tackling was powerful and their line speed consistently stifling Canada’s attacks.

However, Rowland Phillips’ side lacked a cutting edge in possession, failing to convert pressure into points.

A combination of handling errors and robust Canadian defending was their undoing and, while they will be encouraged by the way they competed with a quality side, Wales will ultimately view this game as a missed opportunity to claim a notable scalp.

Canada made to toil

Ranked third in the world and losing finalists against England in the last World Cup, Canada were expected to win convincingly against Wales.

They had laid down a marker with their 98-0 opening triumph over Hong Kong, but encountered far stronger resistance in the form of Phillips’ fired-up charges.

Wales’ abrasive and structured defence made life difficult for Canada, who had to graft for their scoring opportunities.

They eventually created an opening when captain and number eight Kelly Russell tapped a…